Audi thought it would be a good
time to present the updated RS3 Sportback. The go-fast hatch adopts
the subtle styling, equipment and tech improvements from the regular A3, and
the more powerful 400 PS turbo five from the new RS3 Sedan.
The RS3 Sportback gains the same lightweight, five-cylinder,
2.5-liter turbocharged engine found in both the RS3 sedan and the TT RS. It’s
not only 26 kg lighter thanks to its aluminum crankcase, among other
features, but also gains 33 Hp and 15 Nm over its predecessor,
delivering 400 PS and 480 Nm available from 1,700 rpm up to
5,850 rpm.
The five-cylinder lump is paired
exclusively to an S-tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and quattro
permanent all-wheel. Audi claims a 0-100 km/h time of 4.1 seconds,
beating the pre-facelift model by 0.2 seconds, while top speed is
electronically capped at 250 km/h, though you can specify an option
that increases it to 280 km/h. The RS3 hatch returns a combined fuel consumption of 8.3 liters per 100
kilometers (28.3 US mpg), which equates to 189 grams of CO2/km.
Exterior revisions for 2017 largely mimic those of
the standard A3 and the sporty S3 including new headlights with optional matrix
LED operation, a more angular surround for the single-frame grille, reprofiled
bumpers with a redesigned front blade and tweaked rear diffuser in the case of
the RS3, and new tail lamp graphics.
Inside, the most notable change is the
availability of the of Audi’s Virtual Cockpit set-up. Audi created a
special RS screen that shifts the tachometer to the center, displaying on
either side the readings for torque, g‑forces and tire pressure.
Furthermore, when the transmission is operating in manual mode, a scale with a
color background prompts the driver to use the steering wheel paddle or
selector lever to upshift when approaching maximum rpm.
The RS3 Sportback gets seats with more
contoured profiles, an updated infotainment system, and the addition of a new
emergency assist feature that automatically stops the car if required, and
cross traffic assist rear.
European orders for the RS3 Sportback will begin
from April 2017, with first deliveries in August. We’ll see the hot hatch in
the flesh at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show in March.
